The Smurfs 2 (2013) 6/10

Starring : Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Jonathan Winters, Christina Ricci, JB Smoove, Katy Perry
Director : Raja Gosnell
Running Time : 101 mins

Evil wizard Gargamel (Azaria) creates two new Smurf-like creatures called Naughties in the hope of using their Smurf-essence to boost his magical powers, but when he realises that he can only get the essence from a real Smurf he kidnaps Smurfette (Perry) in order to gain the secret of turning Naughties into Smurfs.

With the first of the live-action Smurf movies giving us a new look at the world of the Smurfs being thrust into the modern era, this pretty much treads over old ground. Although this time the focus is primarily on Smurfette and her relationship with the other Smurfs – considering she isn’t a real Smurf – this does little to expand on any of the characters personalities. Gargamel remains a walking stereotype – handled expertly by voice actor Hank Azaria – and the supporting cast of humans do little to add to the plot, instead giving a sub-plot about a hated step-father who turns out to be a good guy. I guess, in a way, this is a link to the whole Smurfette isn’t really related to the Smurfs but is still a good person storyline, but it didn’t feel that necessary to the whole plot, which is pretty much about acceptance. A nice moral tale for kids, but adults may get tired of the at times boring antics.

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